Community Reputation

About neff_terence

Contact Methods

Jaimek,
As I'm sure your aware, our bodies and circumstances are different. Therefore, to give you an accurate response would be a long shot at best. But to be completely honest, it took me 8-12 months to regain my balance so to speak. A large part of my recovery can be attributed to this website. I began visiting celiac.com around 2 months ago and have made substantial progress since. I have also made changes in my lifestyle to reflect more health concious behavior. For example, I put a lot of time into figuring out what foods I should consume for optimal living.
When I was depressed, I tried as much as possible to gravitate toward the things I enjoy. For me it is music, art, and architecture. You have to remain as persevering and optimistic as possible. When you do start to make a turn for the better, I think you will become a more poised and strong individual as a result of the experience.
Keep fighting,
Terence

Richard,
You have a good point. In a lot of ways I think you have to fine tune your diet and find out what works best for you. My assumptions and opinions aren't based on any facts that I can substantiate without question, but my personal experience with these products.
Take care,
Terence

I wanted to add one more peice of information that I left out of my previous post/ short novel. I often see posts on this sight regarding depression. I can relate to where individuals are coming from. When I first developed the problem (3 yrs ago) I was going through serious issues in my personal life along with the gluten problem. There are a few things I want to point out that I think relate to the gluten free diet and overall well being.
1) If you have been recently diagnosed with the celiac disease and are just now trying to get on track, you have to take in to account the current condition of your body. You are probably malnourished and lacking many of the essential vitamens and minerals that allow your body and brain to function properly. Also, you are obviously experiencing terrible side effects from ingesting gluten. If you are feeling depressed, I stongly feel that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Once I began to get my diet under control, things started to really brighten up. I became focused, energetic, and happy for the first time in years. This is due in large part to my body functioning properly which in essence effects everything you do. Give it some time. You will become a strong independent individual when you have control of your diet.
2) If your health condition permits, try to work out. Working out in combination with the proper gluten free diet will help revitalize your body. It will help bring the lacking nutrients to the appropriate malnurished sights and speed recovery. There are also scientific studies that prove that working out combats depression. I typically lift weights and jog about 4-5x a week. You don't have to kill yourself. Even if you jog or walk fast 3x a week you will notice results. I think the two most important keys to working out are consistency and determination. These are two words that you will become very familiar with when fighting your gluten problem.

Kaylee,
I contacted Abbott Labs directly to inquire about there ingredients. The individuals I spoke with told me that the suppliers of their ingredients all claim that they are gluten free but they (Abbott labs) do not independently test for gluten. Levoxyl is essentially the same drug but with different fillers. I switched and have noticed a change. For example, when using Synthroid I had little or no control over my frequent bathroom visits in the morning. Now for the most part, I have more control over when I go and the frequency has diminished. I might be "ultra" sensative to even the slightest amount of gluten? But I have noticed a difference. Also, my philosophy toward companies has changed substantially over time. It is my personal opinion that if a company responds to a gluten inquiry without 100% certainty, than they really arn't guaranteeing anything. I read replies from various food manufacturers that state that they do x y and z to prevent gluten from getting into their products. But at the same time, they won't tell you that there products are 100% gluten free. I put two and two together and assume that at one time or another, I'll probably ingest gluten when consuming their products.
I hope this is helpful. If nothing else, It might be beneficial to give Levoxyl a try if you are experiencing negative symptoms.
Have a good one,
Terence

Deb,
I have heard there is a link between ADD and the celiac disease. I think at has something to do w/ gluten penetrating the brain barrier??? I'm not a doctor. I got on Adderall a few months ago and have noticed a dramatic difference in my overall sharpness, memory and focus. Also, adderall is gluten free.
Have a good one,
Terence

Beverly,
I've heard that there is a link between celiac disease and attention deficit in many cases. I understand what you mean by reading things over and over. I currently take Adderall and have noticed a dramatic improvements in my attention deficit symptoms. I have become sharper and am able to retain information more effectively. This might be something to try.
Take care,
Terence

Hey Tammy,
Good news. The gluten free diet is one of the healthiest diets out there. If you are eating a well rounded diet, lots of fresh veggies, fruit, meat, eggs (lots of eggs!) ect. you should be a bombshell in no time. I am a health nut and typically work out 3-4 times a week. You might want to try some light weight training (consult a personal trainer when first getting started). When you use weights your body burns calories 24 hours a day, even when you sleep. Also, it is good to throw in a little cardiovascular if possible. An arobics machine, fast walk, or jog will work. The key to losing weight is consistency. You will never dump weight (aside form gluten reactions "these are bad") in a couple weeks. It will take a steady program for at least 4-6 months. I find that the biggest problem with people that want to lose weight is consistency and determination. Working out and losing weight is all about being consistent and establishing a repetitve program. You don't have to kill yourself! Even light cardio for 30-45 minutes 4-5x a week will produce results. (consistency)
Have a good one,
Terence

Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed w/ the gluten allergy roughly 1.5 yrs ago. It has been an uphill battle for the majority of that time. I wanted to share some insight with regards to my diet for people that have been recently diagnosed and are trying to get on track. I am not a doctor and don't claim to have a "sure fire" way to get better. If anyone wants to expand on this or correct me, feel free. However, I have almost been able to manage my gluten problem. ALMOST!
Things I've learned:
1) I've have become a darn good cook over the past year! I previously sold restaurant equipment so I already had a decent background in cooking utensils. I purchase a ton of raw food on a regular basis. This comprises 90% of what I eat. I purchase lots of fresh veggies, fruit, meat,(lots of eggs), and dairy products. I also use nuts in my meals if I am %100 sure it doesn't have a wheat additive. My grocery store specializes in whole and organic foods so they guarantee there is no wheat added.
2) I recently used McCormicks spices for a taco salad meal. I had heard that Mccormicks spices were gluten free. If most other celiacs are like me, I assume they eat lots of left overs as it takes time to cook. I had eaten the taco salad for the last two days and have regreted every minute of it. I had a terrible reaction. I highly recommend visiting the gluten free pantry on the net and ordering their gluten free spices. Also, I visit the gluten free mall's website for good sauces.
3) I very rarely eat out. First off, I don't think most of the chefs even know what products contain gluten. I know, I used to work with them on a daily basis. Second, the grease that they use to fry and the (cooking surface) they grill on often contains gluten. I stick with a salad that I know is safe and eat my own stuff later. I have not eaten at Outback Steak House yet. I hear they have a good gluten-free offering.
3) I take Garden of Life vitamens and Probiotics. These can be ordered on the web and are cheaper. I have noticed above average results and I believe all of Jordan Rubin's supplements are gluten free. The two I take (Living Multi) and (Primal Defense) are. These vitamens are not cheap. However, I am a health nut and work out on a regular basis. I have noticed a difference in taking these. Also, I go to the doctor once a month for a B-12 injection. This helps boost your energy big time. I understand that celiacs have a problem absorbing B12 in the intestines.
4) I would recommend that if your taking any medications that you make 100% sure that it doesn't contain gluten fillers. I had been taking Synthroid for my thyroid condition on a daily basis. I recently switched to Levoxyl and noticed a dramatic difference in my symptoms. I am not medically claiming anything. But I do notice a difference with the new fillers in the medicine.
5) Gluten free eating is GOOD for you! Honestly, when you figure it out, you can't ask for more healthy diet. I seriously feel like I am in the best shape of my life. Yes you have to educate yourself thoroughly to get on the correct track and it is somewhat time consuming to cook. But if your like me, I am sick and tired of playing with my health and lifestyle. Honestly, if I am not 110% certain that the product doesn't contain gluten, I don't touch it. You really don't have any choice but to listen to your body if you want to be healthy. In turn, you will be rewarded with good health. If you start with raw food and work from there, it isn't that complicated. This is a matter of survival if you have the problem. Don't play games with your body by being lazy.
6) Gluten free cooking isn't that hard. Some meals I find relatively easy are:
Pasta & grilled chicken: Get gluten free rice noodles, fresh parmision cheese, garlic, olive oil and chicken (I prefer free range). Season your chicken w/ gluten free seasoning (gluten free pantry***) and fire up the grill. Begin to boil a pot of water. Throw on your chicken and boil your noodles. Once done cooking, cut chicken into strips and throw it on your bed of noodles. I use a garlic press w/ fresh garlic and add a couple teaspoons of olive oil. Work these two in and then throw on the cheese. Yummy! *****Substitute noodles for salad for a tasty and fresh delight.
Mexican Salad: Buy some gluten free refried beans. I use an off brand that contains salt a pinto beans. You can also make your own if you have issues. Get onions, green peppers, garlic (always!), salad, 1 lb ground beef, gluten free chips (i use Lundberg rice chips) gluten free taco seasoning (gluten free pantry***) and mexican cheese mix. Brown your ground beef in a fry pan, drain, add seasoning to your liking, water, and vegetables. Cook to your refried beans on low in seperate pot stiring several times throughout. Throw your meat mixture on the chips, then add the beans on top, and cover with cheese and lettuce. That should take on any appetite.
You don't have to be gourmet. Just be creative and search out recipes. The more you practice the easier it becomes. If all else fails, use plenty of spices!!! Trust me. I am a 25 year old male who couldn't cook anything but eggs and meat up until a year ago. Once you know what ingredients are safe to play with you can have a lot of fun. Remember at first, stick to the basics (raw ingredients). Time to get cooking!

Mario,
I know exactly how you feel. I recently gave up smoking about 4 weeks ago. I have been with the habit for about 4 years. I typically would have half cigerettes, about 4-6 a day. I started as a result of many extremly difficult things going on in my life. One of which was this problem with gluten. I felt that smoking helped me cope with a physical health nightmare (celiac disease) and a terrible relationship. I can honestly say that after quiting, many of my symptoms related to celiac have improved. I don't get cramping and discomfort as often in addition to many other health improvements. What I found out after I smoked a while was that I am going to have good and bad days regardless if I am smoking a cigerette or not. Regardless if I had 6 cigerettes I still had good and bad days. It's the same senario now without the cigerettes. The anti smoking adds are just the tip of the iceberg. I am a health nut (believe it or not) and know through research that smoking does more terrible things to your body than is even advertised. I actually work out with weights or go for a run. Try to work a jog into your schedule. It is actually very rewarding and will give you the calm you are looking for.
Take care,
Terence

Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed with the celiac disease roughly 5 months ago after having the problem for 2 years (finally leaving he**). Believe it or not, this is my first visit to this sight. I have local grocery stores that sells gluten free products and I have made a concious effort to avoid all of the suspect ingredients, as if it is possible?? Even though I swear that I am not eating anything with gluten in it, I still have to use the restroom 3x every morning within a 2-3 hour period of waking up. Given, this is down from the 6x a day before my diagnosis. However, it makes getting to work difficult and uncomfortable. I think anyone with the problem can relate to the suddon unstoppable urge I am speaking of. Is this normal? I understand that soy and other substitutes can aggravate the issue w/o any true danger to the intestines. This problem has ruined a good portion of my life and I am trying to seek any help I can find to make this situation better.

Follow Us

Like us on Facebook

About Us

Celiac.com was founded in 1995 by Scott Adams, author of Cereal Killers, founder and publisher of Journal of Gluten Sensitivity, and founder of The Gluten-Free Mall, who had a single goal for the site: To help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed and living a happy, healthy gluten-free life!